Solo Thames Valley Series at Kingsmead Sailing Club

9 visitors joined 7 local boats for what turned out to be the last event in the Thames Valley series at Kingsmead SC. The wind caused issues with courses throughout the day being very shifty across the lake.

The first race included passage around an island which with mature trees causing big wind shadows, proved to be very difficult sailing conditions. It was Ian Ayres sailing Solo 1244 that crossed the fleet on port half way up the first beat. By the first mark Dan Goodman and Barry Wicks had made a small break from the chasing pack and changed places several times before Dan found his own gust to sail away not to be challenged again. Ian had a tough battle with Mike Dray, Ian’s local knowledge offsetting Mike’s boat speed advantage and just keeping him ahead at the finish.

After lunch a course change to reduce the wind shadows unfortunately kept the fleet away from the clubhouse. Race 2 saw Dan and Barry leading the pack again and once again finished in this order. Ian started well but couldn’t counter the pace of the newer boats finishing in 6th. Vanda Jowett, Steve Jones and Mike Dray all from Littleton SC had a close battle for 3rd place finishing in this order.

Race 3 saw Vanda, Barry, Steve and Mike battling for the lead. Big wind shifts and holes meant places changed regularly. Vanda reached the front and managed to break away, Steve taking 2nd and Mike 3rd followed closely by Keith Meekings.

Overall Results: